El Potro de Sinaloa

by Evan C. GutierrezEl Potro de Sinaloa was born José Eulogio Hernandez in San Francisco Sindicatura la Tapias, Sinaloa. José showed great musical promise from an early age, growing up in a household full of musicians, professionals and hobbyists alike. His brother Ignacio "Nacho" Hernandez played with Los Amables del Norte, and offered an apprenticeship of sorts by inviting José to play and record with the group. Another brother, Tomas, known as El Indomable de Sinaloa, enjoyed a short but fruitful career as a recording artist. Surrounded by a talented family, José soon began to distinguish himself as particularly gifted. Performing under the name El Potro de Sinaloa (The Colt of Sinaloa), José soon gained popularity and recognition throughout the region. Known for his unique voice and romantic style, El Potro became an easily recognizable favorite among female listeners stretching from Durango to Jalisco. His debut record, made in collaboration with the musicians of Los Potrillos del Norte and released by Amable Records, was entitled Linda Joven. Subsequent recordings would continue to feature El Potro working with established groups, such as Los Caballeros, Los Guamuchilenos, and his brother's Los Amables del Norte rather than forming his own band. With a few successful releases to his credit, José signed to Sony International for the production of his 1996 release, Punales de Fuego. After a brief stint with EMI, Hernandez soon settled on Lideres, a subsidiary of Universal, as his label home. With them he released what would be a career highlight, Pobre de Mi Corazon, positioned as one of the year's best in Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart. Though his 2007 release, No Me Quites Tu Amor, was not under Lideres, his contract with Machete Music keeps him under the Universal umbrella.